2014-2015 Oakland University Application Thread

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Hey guys,
I'm an M1 at OUWB, I'm normally never on SDN but we have an exam coming up and I'm procrastinating pretty hard so I'll check in with you guys. Hope the app process is going well and for everyone with acceptances, welcome to the family. If you have any questions, feel free shoot me a message or for those who will be deciding between schools within Michigan (which I had to do), ask away. Good luck... back to studying.
 
Hey guys,
I'm an M1 at OUWB, I'm normally never on SDN but we have an exam coming up and I'm procrastinating pretty hard so I'll check in with you guys. Hope the app process is going well and for everyone with acceptances, welcome to the family. If you have any questions, feel free shoot me a message or for those who will be deciding between schools within Michigan (which I had to do), ask away. Good luck... back to studying.

I'll bite. Unless scholarships shake the picture up a bit, I think I know which Michigan acceptance I'm going to hold on to. But, I'm curious what your reasons were for picking OUWB over the others. Would you be willing to say which schools you chose between and why you picked OUWB? Thanks in advance, and feel free to PM if that's too specific.
 
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I'll bite. Unless scholarships shake the picture up a bit, I know which Michigan acceptance I'm going to take. But, I'm curious what your reasons were for picking OUWB over the others. Would you be willing to say which schools you chose between and why you picked OUWB? Thanks in advance, and feel free to PM if that's too specific.

I'd appreciate that info too!
 
+2 Also, when does Oakland offers scholarships? Is it with the FinAid package?
OUWB offers scholarships starting with financial aid packages and ending right before school starts. About 40ish% of students get some sort of scholarship and I know people who got the call about one even a week before starting school.
 
OUWB offers scholarships starting with financial aid packages and ending right before school starts. About 40ish% of students get some sort of scholarship and I know people who got the call about one even a week before starting school.
Thanks!!
 
I'll bite. Unless scholarships shake the picture up a bit, I know which Michigan acceptance I'm going to hold on to. But, I'm curious what your reasons were for picking OUWB over the others. Would you be willing to say which schools you chose between and why you picked OUWB? Thanks in advance, and feel free to PM if that's too specific.
Not to steal ahsan's thunder, but I'l answer as well. I won't disclose the schools I was choosing between, but I will say I applied broadly (30+secondaries) and was accepted to 5 schools and withdrew from about 15 more once I was accepted to OUWB in October. Once I came here for interview day and second look I just didn't know how any other school could compete. The atmosphere and the students they recruit is something special. In addition to the facilities and the ability to be paired with a top hospital in the country. Dean Folberg came in the other day to speak with us and told us that In addition to being ranked #1 in Michigan by USNewsWorldReport, we also were ranked #4 in the country by some legit organization (cant remember off the top of my head). There are research options beyond belief, and everyone is in it to help each other. That is what everyone needs from medical school, a supportive environment and "family" of sorts. I love it here.
 
I'll bite. Unless scholarships shake the picture up a bit, I think I know which Michigan acceptance I'm going to hold on to. But, I'm curious what your reasons were for picking OUWB over the others. Would you be willing to say which schools you chose between and why you picked OUWB? Thanks in advance, and feel free to PM if that's too specific.
Thanks for "biting" Australopithekus. You've gotten solid response from Ophthoseidon, especially concerning the rankings of the school. Beaumont is definitely a top class facility to train at and it's only getting better. We didn't find out about the #1 ranking until much later after having made the decision of where I was going to med school so I won't factor that into the equation. I knew I wanted to stay in state and I was holding acceptances at OUWB and a few other med schools. What truly decided it for me was the atmosphere, similar to what Ophthoseidon said. My first interview was at OUWB and I can tell you the rest of them didn't hit the bar that OUWB set (those of you that have interviewed can probably attest to that). At second look day, they genuinely impressed me enough that I was committed to going to OUWB. OUWB definitely wasn't my first choice when I began applying but it quickly became it during the interview trail and second look days. The family environment still exists so it's not just some farce set up during interviews lol. Also, the anatomy lab is top notch (along with Dr. Hankin), I don't know if you've seen some of them at the schools around here. I have a lot more reasons, especially in comparison with the schools I was deciding between which I can PM you (and anyone else who wants to know). I didn't intend to write this much, sorry for the block of text.
 
Twitter update:
Starting to make offers. Adcom completed reviews for interviews prior to 10/1. Most complete for 10/3. Some from 10/10.

Anxiously waiting by phone hoping I get a call.....
 
I recently interviewed and I must say this school is amazing in so many ways!

Good luck to everyone who is waiting to hear back today or in the future!
 
Completed secondary on 08/30 still haven't heard anything. The weird part is that one of the students from OUWB called me that same week asking when my secondary would be done so I filled it out ASAP thinking that I would get quicker responses from them but I guess I was wrong. Stilllll waiting........
 
Completed secondary on 08/30 still haven't heard anything. The weird part is that one of the students from OUWB called me that same week asking when my secondary would be done so I filled it out ASAP thinking that I would get quicker responses from them but I guess I was wrong. Stilllll waiting........
Still waiting too...
 
Hi everyone.

I got the call yesterday from Dean Grabowski.

I was complete on July 4. II on Aug 8. Interviewed on Sept 26th. Accepted Nov 5th.

Metrics: 33 MCAT, 3.75-3.8 cgpa/sgpa

To date, I had 6 ii and 2 acceptances.

Will be withdrawing all my applications and will be matriculating at OUWB. They really set the bar high during interview day, which unfortunately other medical schools weren't able to match.

I wish everyone great success and look forward meeting my future classmates during second-look.

I'm riding off into the sunset now! 😀
 
Got the call from Christina Grabowski yesterday!! ACCEPTED!! I LOVED this school!!! Anyone know if there is a downside from attending a relatively new medical school when it comes time for the residency match?
 
Got the call from Christina Grabowski yesterday!! ACCEPTED!! I LOVED this school!!! Anyone know if there is a downside from attending a relatively new medical school when it comes time for the residency match?

Short answer, sometimes it can have an effect

Log answer, with Beaumont tagged to it, I highly doubt it. Sure people haven't really heard of OUWB yet, but they have heard of Beaumont. Our M4s are killing it right now with interviews. It gives us an opportunity to explain who we are and where we came from and what is so special about it.
 
I apologize if this question has already been answered, but did you guys receive a confirmation email from Beaumont after submitted your secondaries? I submitted mine 8/19 and got a thank you email for turning in the secondary application, but no 'application is complete' email.
Thanks!
 
For those of you who have been accepted, did you receive an official acceptance package in the mail or anything like that? I just received a letter from Dean Folberg congratulating me, but I haven't received anything else in the mail. Accepted 10/15. Thanks!
 
For those of you who have been accepted, did you receive an official acceptance package in the mail or anything like that? I just received a letter from Dean Folberg congratulating me, but I haven't received anything else in the mail. Accepted 10/15. Thanks!

One large acceptance package with an official letter and one smaller envelope with the congratulations letter you mentioned. Also accepted 10/15.
 
I'm so happy for the folks accepted! It's great to have applied early--I didn't apply until early August...and by the time I received my II early October only January dates were available! Go everyone!
 
Got the call from Christina Grabowski yesterday!! ACCEPTED!! I LOVED this school!!! Anyone know if there is a downside from attending a relatively new medical school when it comes time for the residency match?
Congratulations. On the side note, what was the interview day like? Any feedback?
 
Hi folks-what time does the interview day conclude around here. Sorry if it's been asked before. Wondering safe time to book my flight out. Thanks!
 
Hi folks-what time does the interview day conclude around here. Sorry if it's been asked before. Wondering safe time to book my flight out. Thanks!
Depends. Including the tour of Oakland U, you'll be done around 5-5:15PM. You can forego the tour and leave around 4:15PM.
 
Hey all,

How does interview scheduling work? I submitted my Secondary on 8/17 and was offered an interview yesterday. I logged into their system at the time and saw one date open this month, next month, and in January. I waited a few hours so I could talk things through with my family and when I returned to the scheduling page the November and December dates were gone, so I had to select the January date. I'm not happy about this because I'll end up interviewing over a month later than I wanted to. How easy is it to reschedule an interview for a sooner date? I'll call the school about this on Monday but I'm feeling anxious given how I'll have to a couple days to do that.

I'm a bit worried because I saw that they've already interviewed a good number of applicants. Having to wait another couple months will probably put me at a disadvantage.

Thanks
Unfortunately I don't believe there is anything you can do. They probably called more applicants that day and they signed up for the earlier days right away. You could always call and check but it probably won't do anything. As some wise person once said' "you snooze, you lose". Good luck!
 
Hey all,

How does interview scheduling work? I submitted my Secondary on 8/17 and was offered an interview yesterday. I logged into their system at the time and saw one date open this month, next month, and in January. I waited a few hours so I could talk things through with my family and when I returned to the scheduling page the November and December dates were gone, so I had to select the January date. I'm not happy about this because I'll end up interviewing over a month later than I wanted to. How easy is it to reschedule an interview for a sooner date? I'll call the school about this on Monday but I'm feeling anxious given how I'll have to a couple days to do that.

I'm a bit worried because I saw that they've already interviewed a good number of applicants. Having to wait another couple months will probably put me at a disadvantage.

Thanks

When I was offered my interview mid-October, only January 9 and 23 and 27 were open--nothing in November/December. I think it was probably a fluke that they were open, ie cancellations/rearrangements of schedule. Just remember-you've got an interview, and there is a 60% acceptance rate after interviews, and they wouldn't offer you a spot if they didn't have a spot to fill! Good luck!
 
Thanks for "biting" Australopithekus. You've gotten solid response from Ophthoseidon, especially concerning the rankings of the school. Beaumont is definitely a top class facility to train at and it's only getting better. We didn't find out about the #1 ranking until much later after having made the decision of where I was going to med school so I won't factor that into the equation. I knew I wanted to stay in state and I was holding acceptances at OUWB and a few other med schools. What truly decided it for me was the atmosphere, similar to what Ophthoseidon said. My first interview was at OUWB and I can tell you the rest of them didn't hit the bar that OUWB set (those of you that have interviewed can probably attest to that). At second look day, they genuinely impressed me enough that I was committed to going to OUWB. OUWB definitely wasn't my first choice when I began applying but it quickly became it during the interview trail and second look days. The family environment still exists so it's not just some farce set up during interviews lol. Also, the anatomy lab is top notch (along with Dr. Hankin), I don't know if you've seen some of them at the schools around here. I have a lot more reasons, especially in comparison with the schools I was deciding between which I can PM you (and anyone else who wants to know). I didn't intend to write this much, sorry for the block of text.

Agree with all of this. I didn't really know what to expect from OUWB when I got the interview. I applied because it was in state, and I knew it was a newer school. It blew me away. So far I do not regret my decision at all.

They talk a lot about the Beaumont and OUWB "culture" here. For those of you that have interviewed, i'm sure you experienced it. Everything is personal. You aren't just a random student. Everyone from the physicians at Beaumont, the faculty, the admissions staff, to the Dean are very welcoming and friendly. I've had so many interactions with Dean Folberg already (just in passing in the hallway) and he (and all the others) will refer to you by name and will be happy to stop and chat for a while. It's a family here.

As a cynic, I expected that they were pouring it on a little bit at the interview and second look. New school, so they have to make a good impression. I can honestly tell you that so far I have seen nothing at all that would make me feel that it's an illusion in any way. The culture here is amazing, the people here are amazing. Med school is stressful and it's a lot of work. Being around some amazing classmates and faculty makes it so much easier.

If anyone has specific questions, feel free to PM.
 
Congratulations. On the side note, what was the interview day like? Any feedback?
Interview day was AWESOME! I came in with little expectations because I didn't know a lot about OUWB, but I was completely blown away the entire day!! The campus was beautiful, the hospital was awesome, and the faculty and students seemed like a family. The interview day was very laid-back and "comfortable." We all got to introduce ourselves, so I felt like I knew everyone I was spending the day with. Then, we did a team-based learning activity, had lunch at the hospital, toured the hospital, did interviews, and then went back and toured the school (they have an AWESOME campus and anatomy lab). I felt like my two interviewers were genuinely interested in me and did not try to "scare" or "stump" me. Basically, I told them all about my extracurriculars and what I like to do in my spare time. I don't have any feedback just because I'm unsure of what you have on your app, but just seriously relax and have fun! I was really having a lot of fun on my interview day, and I think my interviewers and Dean Grabowski really wanted us all to just relax and feel like we were a part of the school. I hope that helps!
 
Wow-this information is all incredibly amazing on Oakland. Thanks for sharing! Can anyone comment on Oakland's focus on working with underserved communities?
 
im curious, what was the team based activity was like ?
 
My whole second interview was around serving the underserved communities. It was one of the best interviews I have had. Hope that gives you some type of perspective.
Wow-this information is all incredibly amazing on Oakland. Thanks for sharing! Can anyone comment on Oakland's focus on working with underserved communities?
 
Hey guys I'm considering renting a car (I'm over 25 w/ insurance that covers me in rental cars). If anyone wants to spilt the trip from DTW on 11/20 private message me. I arrive around 2pm - willing to wait 1-2 hours. It's looking about $23-30 + tax + gas (estimating a total of $35-45/day). but every dollar counts during this costly process, right? I will be traveling after the interview on 11/21 towards Ann Arbor, as well.
 
Applying OOS from Indiana. 26 MCAT 3.51 GPA, 3.34 BCPM. Numerous clubs/orgs, 400 hours volunteering, 4000 hours as a registrar in emergency dept at local hospital. Emailed receipt of secondary 10/29. Going back and forth between Oakland and IUSM for top pick (oos vs. in state makes a difference!!). Looking forward to hearing back. Good luck to you all!!
 
Can anyone comment on how the interviews were like in terms of open or close file? How long were each of them in general?
The day starts at 8:15am and ends at 5pm, which is such a long time!

Thanks!!
 
Interviews were open file generally 30 minutes each but could go longer (mine went longer because my interviewer was awesome lol) It is a long day but it is one of the BEST interview days out there. By the time you are done you will feel like you know the school in and out and Dean Grabowski is awesome and she spends the whole day with you.
Can anyone comment on how the interviews were like in terms of open or close file? How long were each of them in general?
The day starts at 8:15am and ends at 5pm, which is such a long time!

Thanks!!
 
Can anyone comment on how the interviews were like in terms of open or close file? How long were each of them in general?
The day starts at 8:15am and ends at 5pm, which is such a long time!
Thanks!!
Interviews were open file generally 30 minutes each but could go longer (mine went longer because my interviewer was awesome lol) It is a long day but it is one of the BEST interview days out there. By the time you are done you will feel like you know the school in and out and Dean Grabowski is awesome and she spends the whole day with you.
No. Interviews are semi-open. They have everything except for your MCAT and GPA.
 
Rejected pre interview. Complete 9/26. Stung less than I thought it would.. Relieved I don't have to do the long drive to Michigan again! Best of luck everyone!
 
Accepted! :soexcited: Interviewed 10/10. It took all that I had to not freak out on Dean Grabowski.
Love love love this school!! Good luck to all still waiting to hear back.
 
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